To the LORD I cry aloud
This phrase emphasizes the act of vocal prayer, a common practice in ancient Israel. Crying aloud to God signifies earnestness and desperation, reflecting a deep reliance on divine intervention. The act of crying out is seen throughout the Psalms and is a model for believers to express their needs and emotions to God. This practice is rooted in the belief that God is personal and attentive to the cries of His people, as seen in Exodus 2:23-25 when the Israelites cried out under Egyptian bondage.

and He answers me
This assurance of divine response highlights God's faithfulness and willingness to engage with His people. The certainty of God's answer is a recurring theme in Scripture, reinforcing the idea that God is not distant or indifferent. This reflects the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where God promises to hear and respond to His people's prayers, as seen in 2 Chronicles 7:14. It also prefigures the New Testament teaching that God hears the prayers of believers through Jesus Christ (John 14:13-14).

from His holy mountain
The "holy mountain" refers to Mount Zion, the location of the Temple in Jerusalem, which was considered the dwelling place of God among His people. This geographical reference underscores the centrality of Jerusalem in Israel's worship and the belief that God's presence was uniquely manifest there. The mountain symbolizes God's sovereignty and holiness, and it is a place of divine revelation and blessing. This imagery is echoed in Hebrews 12:22, where believers are said to come to the "heavenly Jerusalem."

Selah
The term "Selah" is often understood as a musical or liturgical pause, inviting the reader or listener to reflect on the preceding words. It serves as a moment to meditate on the truth and significance of God's responsiveness and presence. While its exact meaning is debated, it consistently appears in the Psalms to encourage contemplation and deeper understanding of the text.

1. David
The author of Psalm 3, David is in a time of distress, fleeing from his son Absalom. This context highlights his reliance on God during personal turmoil.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His personal relationship with David and His people. David directs his cries to Yahweh, trusting in His faithfulness.

3. Holy Mountain
Refers to Mount Zion, the location of the Ark of the Covenant during David's time, symbolizing God's presence and His dwelling place among His people.

4. Absalom's Rebellion
The event during which David wrote this psalm, as he fled from his son Absalom who sought to usurp the throne.

5. Selah
A term used in the Psalms, possibly indicating a pause for reflection or musical interlude, inviting the reader to meditate on the truth just expressed.The Power of Prayer
David's example shows the importance of crying out to God in times of trouble. Prayer is a powerful tool for believers to connect with God and seek His intervention.

God's Faithful Response
The assurance that God answers prayer is a central theme. Believers can trust that God hears and responds from His holy presence.

The Significance of God's Presence
The reference to God's "holy mountain" underscores the importance of His presence. Believers are reminded that God is near and accessible.

Reflection and Meditation
The use of "Selah" encourages believers to pause and reflect on God's faithfulness and the truths of His Word.(4) With my voice.--That is, aloud. The verbs are present, expressing the habit of the royal psalmist.

Verse 4. - I cried unto the Lord with my voice; rather, I cry unto the Lord with my voice; i.e. earnestly and constantly (comp. Psalm 77:1; Psalm 142:1). And he heard (rather, hears) me out of his holy hill; or. "the hilt of his holiness" (comp. Psalm 2:6). Though David is in exile at Mahanaim (2 Samuel 17:24), his thoughts revert to Jerusalem, to the holy hill of Zion, and the ark of God, which he has there" set in its place" (2 Samuel 6:17); and he knows that God, who "dwelleth between the cherubim" (1 Samuel 4:4), will hear him, though so far off. Selah (see the comment on ver. 2).

Parallel Commentaries ...


To
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

the LORD
יְהוָ֣ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3069: YHWH

I cry aloud,
אֶקְרָ֑א (’eq·rā)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read

and He answers
וַיַּֽעֲנֵ֨נִי (way·ya·‘ă·nê·nî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | first person common singular
Strong's 6030: To answer, respond

me from His holy
קָדְשׁ֣וֹ (qā·ḏə·šōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6944: A sacred place, thing, sanctity

hill.
מֵהַ֖ר (mê·har)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2022: Mountain, hill, hill country

Selah
סֶֽלָה׃ (se·lāh)
Interjection
Strong's 5542: Suspension, pause


Psalm 3:4 NIV
Psalm 3:4 NLT
Psalm 3:4 ESV
Psalm 3:4 NASB
Psalm 3:4 KJV

Psalm 3:4 BibleApps.com
Psalm 3:4 Biblia Paralela
Psalm 3:4 Chinese Bible
Psalm 3:4 French Bible
Psalm 3:4 Catholic Bible

OT Poetry: Psalm 3:4 I cry to Yahweh with my voice (Psalm Ps Psa.)